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Microsoft opens up Windows licensing

System builders encouraged to build PCs based on Windows XP MCE

Microsoft, nVidia and ATI are encouraging system builders to build PCs based on Windows XP Media Center Edition (MCE).

NVidia, in conjunction with Microsoft, has introduced its Media Center product suite for system builders, which it has claimed will make it easier to build PCs for the new operating system at different price points. Microsoft opened up XP MCE to system builders only last month.

The Media Center bundles, which include GPUs, TV tuners and multimedia software technologies, are designed to help nVidia increase its presence in the growing Media Center sector and raise its profile with system builders.

To date, only large PC makers have been able to supply Media Center PCs running XP MCE, and many of these systems are expensive and restricted to the high end of the market.

Microsoft is hoping to boost its user base for XP MCE by allowing all system builders to build Media Center PCs for a wider range of users and budgets.

"We've recognised that our work with Media Center going only through our large, mostly multinational OEMs is something we could take further if we were to engage directly the system builder channel," said Will Poole, Microsoft senior vice-president of Windows Client Business.

"We're working closely with ATI and nVidia to create a single kit that will give you what you need in terms of a tuner card, the right graphics card, a remote control, infrared receiver - everything you need to put together a Media Center PC in the configurations that customers want."

"Microsoft's announcement that it will license Windows XP Media Center Edition to PC system builders is great news for the industry," said David Roman, vice-president of corporate marketing at nVidia.

"System builders have the opportunity to broaden their portfolios and deliver PCs geared for home entertainment."

Microsoft is also creating a logo using the words 'Designed for Windows XP Media Center Edition,' which identifies third-party technologies that will be used in XP MCE PCs.